Bali executions: Eight prisoners refused to wear blindfolds as they were shot

Prisoners face bullets with open eyes.
In the still night air of Nusakambangan island, eight condemned prisoners joined together in a chorus of Amazing Grace just after midnight, before their song was cut off by the crack of gunfire. As details began to emerge of the final minutes of the group, who included the Bali nine pair Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, it was revealed all eight prisoners rebuffed offers of blindfolds, opting instead to stare at their executioners while they broke out in song.

Father Charles Burrows, who provided spiritual guidance to condemned Brazilian man Rodrigo Gularte, said the men met their fate without blindfolds, staring straight ahead.

“Everyone was looking forward, it seems everyone accepted their fate,” Father Burrows said.

He said it was difficult because Gularte, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia when he was a teenager, was mentally ill.

Gularte talked to animals and was afraid of electromagnetic waves from satellites watching him above his prison on the island of Nusakambangan.

In his deluded state, he believed Indonesia had abolished capital punishment and established a prisoner extradition agreement with Brazil, which meant he could go home next year.

Fairfax Media understands both men died quickly. A source said all eight prisoners died after being shot in the heart.
It was not necessary for the commander to shoot anyone in the head, as is the case if prisoners don’t die after 10 minutes.